What it is
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan trees. Because these trees only grow in a few regions, it is rare, hence the high price. Argan Oil contains several lipids and fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoliec acid, which are all beneficial for the skin. In addition, it also contains Vitamin E, phenols, carotenes and Ferulic Acid (an antioxidant).
What it does
Argan Oil is high in Linoleic Acid, which increases skin moisture and softens dry skin as well as reducing inflammation. Some studies indicate that it could also be a good treatment for psoriasis.
In addition, the oil has antioxidant properties and contains three times the amount of Vitamin E (an antioxidant) found in Olive oil.
Another study shows that a cream containing argan oil reduced sebum production. However, the study didn’t prove that this was because of argan oil but only that the cream formula diminished oiliness on the face.
Side effects
Because Argan Oil is high in Oleic Acid, which is very comedogenic, it could clog pores and cause acne.
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Have you ever tried using it?
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I knew I forgot to add some things in my post, do you mind if I link you in my Argan Oil post Gio? So others can learn a little more about this?
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Emilita: not yet. I want to because people rav about its benefits even though there aren’t many scientific studies about it yet but it’s a bit expensive and my budget is pretty limited at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be able to try it soon and then I’ll report back.
Dee: Of course I don’t mind and thanks for linking to my post
Oh thanks for this post!
I am writing about a product that has argan oil in it and since you say it clogs pores I’m very worried about it! Will link back to this post. x
Renee
Renee, you’re welcome and thanks for the link. Can’t wait to read your post. Keep in mind that just because an ingredient is comedogenic it doesn’t necessary mean it will clog pores. That also depends on the formula, the concentration on the ingredient present in the formula and the skin type. For instance, people will normal skin are less likely to have problems than those with oily skin. But yes, Argan Oil could potentially clog pores and that is something to take into consideration if you decide to start using it.
Can you direct me to the studies about psoriasis and sebum production?
Hello Beth, here is a study about a cream containing argan oil and its effectiveness at treating sebum production:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17524128?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
I can’t seem to find the study about psoriasis at the moment (I’ll keep looking as after all I had found it before), but I remember it having something to do with the fatty acids in argan oil.
Hi. I’ve been trying some 100% argan oil that a Moroccan friend brought me back from a trip home. I’ve got combination, acne-prone skin, but just turned 40 & wanted to see what it might do for my fine lines… I’ve been delighted with the results overall, BUT, it has caused my skin to break out. The positives outweigh the negatives for me, though. My face is less puffy & lines look smoother. I’m delighted; I didn’t expect to see any results. I’m just now back-tracking and doing some research, which led me to your site! : ) Thanks. Hope my two cents helps.
Jenny, thank you for sharing your experience. What a bummer it made your skin break out but I’m glad your overall experience was positive and that it did help with your fine lines and puffiness.
Hi! I was researching argan oil effects on sebum production (I have combination oily skin) and found your site. I actually purchased this last month from amazon.com (Watt’s Beauty Oil is the brand, claims to be 100% certified organic and was about $30 for 4 oz, not a bad price) and have been using it for weeks. I bought it because my skin is terribly dry, to the point of being painful and red in the winter. After using the argan oil, it is now very soft and much less oily. I’m saying this as a guy who does not know much about skin care, but this stuff seems to really work. I have some old acne scars from the teen years and I’m waiting to see how they respond, but as a moisturizer it is fantastic! (I mix about 4-5 drops with my normal face lotion). The other thing I have noticed is, using a few drops in my hair, not only does it make my hair shiny but I have had a dandruff problem for the past 6 or so years, it seems to have gone away and NOTHING else has worked. My hair also gets to be more manageable but it’s important to not use too much and maybe this isn’t practical if you have long hair.
Anyways, just wanted to share my story. I don’t know if it will work for everyone but it did for me. Now my only concern is that my vendor is selling the real stuff and not some blend or impure rip off, since the price is so much lower.. thank you for your post, I hope I have contributed something!
J B, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sure those interested in trying this oil fill find it very helpful. Argain Oil is very moisturizing indeed and I hope it will work well for your acne scars too.
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